Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid for mammals since they cannot synthesise it. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major source of dietary Trp, and wheat high in Trp would thus be very beneficial. This study investigated the impact of location and wheat variety on the content of free Trp and mineral nutrients in wheat grain. Four wheat cultivars from national variety tests on wheat with varying protein contents were selected from seven different locations of Sweden representing different climatic zones and soil contents of trace elements. Grain was analysed for Trp content using reversed phase HPLC. Mineral nutrients were analysed using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. Wheat yield and grain content of nutrients and Trp differed significantly between sites. High N content in grain was correlated with a high content of Cu, Fe and S, and also Ca and Mg. However, it was correlated with a low content of K and Na. Trp content was positively correlated with Na and Zn content and negatively correlated with K/Na and K/(Na+Zn) ratio. The varieties differed in Trp content and the two ratios, but there were no significant differences in yields between the varieties at any location. The results indicated salt stress induction of Trp synthesis, which may protect wheat against salt stress and yield losses.

Human milk provides infant with the required nutrients for growth and development. The aim of preliminary study was to determine macro- and micronutrients content in mature human milk among lactating women residing in Latvia and dietary habits affecting it. The study was carried out from November 2016 to February 2017. In total, 24 pooled diurnal milk samples were collected from mothers whose infants had reached the age of at least two months. Personal information of each participant was recorded, including mother’s age, weight and height parameters, sex and age of an infant, parity, breastfeeding pattern, milk expression method used for sampling. Eating habits were obtained using Monthly Food Frequency Questionnaire. Analysed elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS Agilent 7700x, Japan). Concentrations ranged from 227.52 to 398.34 mg LE-1 for calcium, 58.56 – 256.38 mg LE-1 for sodium, 445.33 – 736.71 mg LE-1 for potassium, 25.73 – 49.52 mg LE-1 for magnesium, till 3.17 mg LE-1 for iron, 0.28 – 2.77 mg LE-1 for zinc, 0.06 – 0.43 mg LE-1 for copper, 2.00 – 44.00 µg LE-1 for manganese, 1.00 –10.00 µg LE-1 for chrome which is comparable to data obtained from other studies although chrome and manganese concentration was even higher than observed in literature. Cobalt and selenium content was below detection limit. Zinc content in human milk negatively correlated with baby’s age (p is less than 0.05). The content of majority of essential minerals in human milk was affected by mother’s dietary habits; however, more samples need to be analysed for representative conclusions.

The purpose of this study to compare milk calcium and phosphorus content of different breeds raised in Estonia. Based on obtained results, different factors and their magnitude of influence on the contents of calcium and phosphorus in milk were studied. On Polula Research Farm five trial groups were made up: Estonian Holstein breed (breeding value 115) (EHF-t), Estonian Holstein breed (breeding value 105...115) (EHF), Red-and-White Holstein breed (RHF), Estonian Red breed (EPK) and Estonian Native breed (EK). Milk samples were collected from five of each trial group twice a month during the year 2001. Calcium and phosphorus contents were determined by using IDF methods 36A:1992 and 42B:1990 in Dairy Laboratory of the Institute of Animal Science.

The goal of this study was to investigate the use of body reserves, energy balance and fertility parameters at the beginning of lactation in first-parity cows bred in Estonia.